Accountants near you

The first step is determining what kind of help you need. There are several types of financial professionals you may consider, and they’re all a little bit different.

If you simply need help with your taxes, you may just look for tax preparation services. Tax preparers do not need specific credentials, but, they do need to file for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) with the IRS.

According to Investopedia.com, bookkeepers and accountants are similar, but do fulfill different roles. Bookkeepers are responsible for the day-to-day finances of a business while accountants are focused on the big picture. They often work together and complement each other.

Another type of financial expert is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).  A CPA is an accountant who has done additional coursework and passed a state exam to get certified. CPAs can, among other things, produce the audited financial statements that are required by publicly traded companies.

To learn more about licensing for financial professionals in Canada, visit the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada website.

No matter what kind of accountant or other financial professional you are looking for, there are steps you can take to help you find the right person for the job:

1. Ask for referrals in your network. Turn to your friends, family members and colleagues for suggestions. Find out who the people who know have worked with and what they liked and didn’t like about them. If you are looking for help with your business, try to talk to people with similar companies who have similar needs. You can also see if your local Chamber of Commerce has a list of recommended accountants.
2. Compare services. Make a list of the services you need and when you reach out to potential accountants, see how many of the services they can provide. You should also see what additional services they offer as you may not have thought of everything. Their lists of offered services may give you some ideas about where you could use their assistance.
3. Interview candidates. It’s important to find an accountant with a personality compatible with yours and who is someone you trust. You will be sharing all of your financial information with this person and you need to be sure you’ll be comfortable with that. 
4. Get all fee information upfront. Make sure you fully understand the fees associated with various services and that they are spelled out in writing. Do they charge by the hour or work on a retainer by the month or year? Do they charge specifically for tax returns? What if you call with a question? 
5. Ask for references. Ask potential accountants for references so you can speak to other clients about their experiences and their satisfaction.

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